Residents’ anger at gas pipeline works (From Gazette)

Residents’ anger at gas pipeline works

8:00am Thursday 9th July 2009

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RESIDENTS are angry about gas works near their homes which they say has left the area in a mess.

People living on the Broadlands Estate, in Colchester, said they were not given enough warning the work, to replaces 11.5 miles of iron gas main with hard-wearing plastic, was about to begin because there was a delay with letters being sent out.

A number of Suffolk Close residents say work seems to have been done but the area has been left in a mess.

Charles Cowling said he had lost 15 days work because his phone cable has been cut through three times.

He said: “It means my fax, telephone and computer do not work so I have not been able to communicate other than by mobile to my customers.

“I understand the work has to be done but I think they could have gone about it better.

“One of the drain covers was damaged and a five inch hole left in it.”

Susan Shotton, of Sufffolk Close, added: “They had to dig up some steps here and they have not been put back properly, nor has the rail.”

Ward councillor Mike Hogg said he and fellow councillors Barrie Cook and Helen Chuah had received complaints from residents since work began a month ago.

Mr Hogg said: “I am worried it is only going to get worse now they are in Ipswich Road, which is very busy.”

Antony Quarrell, a spokesman for National Grid, said: “This work is essential and should ensure people enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies.

“Regarding the damage to the phone lines, we cannot be sure that this was related to our work. Our contractors did accidentally damage a drain hole and the damage has been repaired.

“We have also endeavoured to keep the locations where we are working as tidy as possible – however we would point out that they are working sites.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these works have caused.”

The work is part of a mains replacement project which involves replacing all iron gas mains within 30 metres of buildings.

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